Free Washer and Dryer for Low-Income Families: Programs, Rebates, and Low-Cost Options

Where a free washer and dryer for low-income families comes from

Laundry machines are not a basic-needs item in most aid programs, the way food or heat is. That is why help is scattered. In practice, families who get a free or nearly free washer or dryer usually find it through one of five routes:

• Utility programs. Electric, gas, and water utilities sometimes replace old, inefficient appliances for income-qualified customers to cut energy or water use.
• State appliance rebates. The federal Inflation Reduction Act funded state-run HEAR programs. They can cover an efficient heat pump clothes dryer, but not a washer.
• Charities. The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, churches, and local relief groups sometimes give vouchers or donated machines.
• Furniture banks. These nonprofits collect donated household goods and give them to families referred by social service agencies.
• Low-cost resale. Habitat for Humanity ReStores and thrift stores sell used appliances well below retail.

Most families end up combining two of these, such as a free used washer from a furniture bank and a rebate toward a dryer. The sections below explain each one. The same sources often cover kitchen appliances too, as our guides to free stoves and free refrigerators for low-income families explain.

Utility appliance programs for income-qualified customers

Your utility is often the best first call. Many utilities run energy-efficiency programs paid for by customer rates, and some set aside a portion for income-qualified households. These programs change often and differ a great deal from one company to the next, so treat the examples below as models of what to ask about, not a promise that your utility offers the same thing.

California Energy Savings Assistance

In California, the large investor-owned utilities run the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program under the California Public Utilities Commission. It provides no-cost energy upgrades to households that meet CARE or FERA income limits. For June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, the upper limit is 250 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or $39,900 a year for one person, $54,100 for two, $68,300 for three, and $82,500 for four. The CPUC lists refrigerators, furnaces, insulation, and weatherstripping among the services.

PG&E's version says both renters and homeowners can take part, the home must be at least five years old, and a refrigerator must be at least 15 years old to be replaced. PG&E does not list clothes washers on that page, but it invites customers to call and ask about other appliances. Southern California Edison has described clothes washer replacement as part of its ESA offering, so customers there should ask about it during the home assessment.

Tucson Water discounted clothes washer

Water utilities care about washers because older top-loaders use a lot of water. Tucson Water in Arizona offers a new washer for $200 including installation to single-family homeowners with income at or below 200 percent of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines. A zero-interest plan lets eligible customers pay $50 down and then six monthly payments of $25. The old washer must be more than five years old, rental homes do not qualify, and each household can take part once. It is not free, but it shows the kind of deep discount some utilities offer.

What to ask your own utility

• "Do you have an income-qualified energy-saving or appliance replacement program?"
• "Does it ever include clothes washers or dryers, or only refrigerators and heating?"
• "Can renters apply, and does my landlord need to sign anything?"
• "Do I qualify automatically if I get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or LIHEAP?"

Many programs accept enrollment in benefits like SNAP or LIHEAP as proof of income. If you have not applied for energy bill help yet, our LIHEAP guide explains how.

State HEAR rebates for heat pump dryers

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, often called HEAR, is federal money that states run. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an ENERGY STAR certified electric heat pump clothes dryer may qualify for a rebate of up to $840. The ENERGY STAR HEAR overview explains how much of the cost is covered:

A few points matter before you count on this money:

• Availability depends on your state. States decide whether to offer HEAR, when to launch, and which products to include. Some states have not launched, and some do not include dryers.
• Washers are not covered. HEAR pays for electric appliances that replace fossil fuel use or cut energy use, such as stoves, heat pumps, and heat pump dryers. A regular washer is not on the list.
• The total cap is $14,000 per household across all HEAR items, so a dryer can be part of a bigger project.
• Rebates are often paid at the store. Many states give the discount at checkout through approved retailers or contractors.

To check, search for your state energy office's "home energy rebates" page, or use the DOE link above. The ENERGY STAR rebate finder also shows local utility rebates by ZIP code.

Does weatherization replace washers and dryers?

Usually not. The federal Weatherization Assistance Program pays for whole-house energy work like insulation, air sealing, and heating system repair for income-eligible households. Most homes qualify at or below 200 percent of the poverty guidelines or with a household member on SSI. Laundry machines are rarely part of the work. Some local agencies do replace other appliances, such as an old refrigerator, when an energy audit shows it will save enough power.

Weatherization is still worth applying for. Lower heating and cooling bills free up money you could put toward a used washer. Your local community action agency handles applications.

Charities, furniture banks, and ReStores

When a program will not buy you a new machine, charities can often help with a used one. Supplies depend on donations, so it helps to ask several places and get on a waiting list.

Furniture banks

Furniture banks collect donated furniture and household goods and pass them to families in need, often people leaving shelters or recovering from a disaster. The Furniture Bank Network connects 184 furniture banks and reuse charities in the United States and Canada and has a directory you can search by city. Not every furniture bank accepts appliances, and most need a referral from a caseworker, shelter, or social service agency. Ask your caseworker to make the referral and name the appliance you need.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores

Habitat for Humanity ReStores sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials at a fraction of retail price. Washers and dryers come and go quickly, so call or visit often. Ask whether the store tests appliances, offers a short return window, or delivers for a fee.

Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul

Local Salvation Army offices sometimes give vouchers for their family stores, which may carry appliances. Our guide to Salvation Army furniture vouchers explains how those work. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has more than 4,000 local groups, called conferences, whose volunteers make home visits and help with practical needs. Some run thrift stores. What they can give depends entirely on the local group.

Churches and community groups

Congregations often know members who are replacing a working washer. Ask at the church office, a local mutual aid group, or a community Facebook or Buy Nothing group. Be specific about what you need and whether you can pick it up.

Renters and landlord-provided appliances

If you rent, look at your lease before you spend anything. If the lease lists a washer and dryer as part of the unit, the landlord is generally the one who repairs or replaces them when they break, not you. Rules differ by state and by lease, so read the repair section carefully.

• Report the problem in writing. Send a dated text, email, or letter and keep a copy.
• Do not withhold rent on your own. In many states that can lead to eviction. Talk to a local legal aid office or tenant group first.
• Ask about shared laundry. If the building has a laundry room with broken machines, the landlord or laundry company is usually responsible.
• Get permission for hookups. If you want to bring your own machines, ask in writing whether the hookups work and whether the lease allows it.

Renters can also qualify for some utility programs. PG&E, for example, says renters may take part in its ESA program, though landlord approval may be needed for some work.

Options compared side by side

Buying a low-cost machine safely

If you end up buying, a little planning saves money over the life of the machine. ENERGY STAR says certified washers use about 20 percent less energy and about 30 percent less water than standard models, around 14 gallons a load instead of 20, and can save about $530 in energy costs over their life. For dryers, ENERGY STAR says heat pump models use around 70 percent less energy than conventional dryers and do not need an outside vent.

• Check used machines in person. Run a short cycle if you can, look for rust and leaks, and ask how old it is.
• Look up recalls by brand and model number before you buy.
• Clean the lint filter after every load. ENERGY STAR notes it improves airflow and is also a safety step.
• Compare the full price of payment plans. Rent-to-own and store credit can cost far more than the sticker price. Add up every payment before you sign.
• Watch for scams. No real program charges a fee to "release" a free appliance. Applying for utility and government programs is free.

Keeping laundry costs down in the meantime

Laundromat trips add up quickly for a family. A few ideas while you wait for a machine:

• Free laundry days. The LaundryCares Foundation works with laundromats to hold free laundry days in some communities. Ask local laundromats too, since some host their own.
• Shelters and day centers. Many offer free laundry for guests and people experiencing homelessness.
• Schools. Some schools have laundry rooms for students' families. Ask the school social worker.
• Full loads and cold water. Washing full loads in cold water cuts cost per load at home or at the laundromat.
• Line drying. A drying rack costs little and saves dryer cycles.

Dial 211 to ask about free laundry programs near you. It is free and confidential.

Getting a washer or dryer, step by step

1. Call your electric, gas, and water utilities and ask about income-qualified appliance programs.
2. Check your state energy office for HEAR rebates if you need a dryer.
3. Ask a caseworker for a furniture bank referral, naming the appliance you need.
4. Contact the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches, and ask to be put on a waiting list.
5. Check Habitat ReStores and thrift stores often, since appliances sell quickly.
6. If you rent, review your lease and ask your landlord in writing about repair or replacement.

Related guides

• Free appliances for low-income families
• Weatherization Assistance Program
• Furniture grants for low-income families
• Utility relief programs

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Program rules, income limits, and rebate availability are set by each utility, state, and charity and can change. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with any utility, charity, or government agency.